Paintback is a cost-effective solution for households and trade painters to remove unwanted paint and packaging, providing 70 disposal locations nationally. This program is the first such national program in the world to be developed and voluntary run by the paint industry. More than a million litres of unwanted paint has been diverted from landfill in the first year. Click for a location near you and further information about the program.

CleanOut

The Department of Environment and Conservation NSW is working with local councils to provide drop-off events for old or leftover chemicals found around the home.

Household quantities of the following chemicals are accepted:

Paint & paint related products

Pesticides, herbicides and poisons

Solvents and household cleaners

Motor oils, fuels and fluids

Batteries

Gas bottles & fire extinguishers

Pool chemicals

Acids and alkalis

Hobby chemicals

Fluorescent tubes

To find the date and the location of your closest collection:Visit: The CleanOut Website or call CleanOut on 13 15 55.

What to do with other chemicals or hazardous waste

Asbestos: As asbestos is classed as a hazardous material it may only be disposed of at certain locations in Australia. To find out how to safely dispose of asbestos visit the asbestos section on this site.

Medicines: Old and unwanted medicines around the home are a household hazard and can be dangerous if taken when they are out-of-date, not prescribed for you or within reach of children. To find out how to safely dispose of unwanted and out-of-date medicines visit the medicine section on this site.

Sharps: Sharps must not be placed in your recycling bin or garbage bin. For health and safety reasons, please place your sharps in a secure and strong puncture resistant container, such as an Australian Standard Sharps container. You can dispose of this container at authorised collection points.

Ammunition and Flares: These should be taken to your local police station.